Method and Arrangements for Increasing the Security of Transponder Systems, Particularly for Access to Automobiles

Abstract

It is proposed that passive wireless transponder systems used in the context of procedures for access identification be provided with signaling that can be perceived by human beings. This also makes it possible to detect that a relay attack, which is difficult to prevent, is being carried out. Attention is also drawn to other types of manipulative interference with the communication and to certain problems with the high-frequency transmission. By the employment of comparatively inexpensive and highly reliable means, this near-simultaneous perception of an identifying process for access purposes produces a very effective reduction in such threats to the security of the system. Other simple measures may have an advantageous effect in connection therewith. The signaling may also assist an ergonomic process. For example, an automobile entry or access system that is not specifically actuated, referred to as a passive keyless entry system, may be improved.

1 . A method for increasing the security of transponder systems employing wireless transmission between at least one base station and at least one small device that a person can carry with him or her, a communication that establishes that the small device is spatially close taking place between the basis station and the small device, characterized in that signaling perceptible to human beings takes place as part of the communication process between the base station and the small device. 
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the perceptible signaling is emitted from the base station. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that the small device receives and analyzes at least part of the signaling. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 3 , characterized in that the small device concludes the communication in a secure manner if the signaling too has been received. 
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the perceptible signaling is emitted from the small device. 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 4 , characterized in that the base station receives and analyzes at least part of the signaling. 
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 6 , characterized in that the base station only performs an action associated with the communication if the signaling too has been received 
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that an action that should normally be provoked by the communication is embargoed by the operation of a control at the small device and by a transmission of data to the base station. 
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in any  claim 1 , characterized in that an absence of signaling and/or altered signaling at the small device indicates an operating fault in the transmission process. 
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that an alarm is triggered by the operation of a control at the small device and by a transmission of data. 
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that an additional mode of operation allows communication to be established between the base station and small device but only the signaling to be performed, and normal operation (authorization of access, identification, payments, logging and the like) to be embargoed at least until a particular deliberate action (e.g. operation of a special control, input of a code, mechanical unlocking, and the like) has been performed and/or until an interval of time has expired. 
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the device is prevented from operating, at least temporarily, by controls and/or by a cover at least parts of which are impenetrable. 
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the signaling occurs when an access zone is entered and/or there is a presence in the access zone and takes place temporally before an identification process. 
     
     
         14 . An arrangement for increasing the security of transponder systems employing wireless transmission between at least one base station and at least one small device that a person can carry with him or her, a communication that establishes that the small device is spatially close taking place between the basis station and the small device, characterized in that at least one emitter for signaling perceptible by human beings is provided in the base station, which emitter is able to be activated by the communication. 
     
     
         15 . An arrangement for increasing the security of transponder systems employing wireless transmission between at least one base station ( 8 ) and at least one small device that a person can carry with him or her, a communication that establishes that the small device is spatially close taking place between the basis station and the small device, characterized in that at least one emitter for signaling perceptible by human beings is provided in the small device, which emitter is able to be activated by the communication. 
     
     
         16 . An arrangement as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that a control for deactivating the wireless transmission at least temporarily is present on the small device. 
     
     
         17 . An arrangement as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that a control for triggering protective measures in the context of a technical system that includes the base station is present on the small device. 
     
     
         18 . An arrangement as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that a control for triggering an alarm is present on the small device. 
     
     
         19 . An arrangement as claimed in  claim 14 , characterized in that a receiver for the signaling emitted by the base station and an analyzing means are present in the small device. 
     
     
         20 . An arrangement as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that a receiver for the signaling emitted by the small device and a matching analyzing means are present at the base station. 
     
     
         21 . An arrangement for increasing the security of transponder systems employing wireless transmission between at least one base station and at least one small device that a person can carry with him or her, a communication that establishes that the small device is spatially close taking place between the basis station and the small device, characterized in that a control for deactivating the wireless transmission, at least at times, is present on the small device.